I am glad to announce that Paizo have released a new pathfinder module; Beyond the Vault of Souls, which has my artwork on the cover. The full painting can be seen above.

To the left is the image fully realised and with all the trade dress on. Seeeing this for the first time I find myself reflecting on what I should note works well, or conversely what might be better approached differently.

The full product details can be found here:http://paizo.com/pathfinder/pathfinderModules/v5748btpy85jr

Cheers,

Ralph

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Ninja Mountain podcast; Episode # 20

As the podcast reaches an historic episode (has it really been 20!) I had the great pleasure of participating once more. Jon had kindly set up the voicemail on his Skype so that we could receive listeners' messages, and so we took this opportunity to respond them, and what started out failry innocuously ended up with a very lively debate.

To listen go here:

http://ninjamountain.blogspot.com/

Cheers,

Ralph
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GamesExpo; post-match analysis & interview

I had a very enjoyable time at the GamesExpo last weekend, and I just wanted to say thanks to all the people that stopped by to chat, buy artwork, get books/cards signed, etc.

I would find it hard to give a balanced review of the show as I spent nearly all my time on the stand, with only a brief dash around (thanks to the kind assistance of Linda Pitman) to buy a couple of games and a pressie for my wife, Anne.

However, from my limited perspective, I got the sense of a lively event with a bustling atmosphere. One thing I especially like about this show is the huge variety of games covered, from RPG's through board games to miniature gaming with reenactment exhibitors, Daleks and Stormtroopers thrown in. It was also very nice to see a strong family element, with lots of young children stopping by and asking if those were my drawings :)

During the course of the show it was pointed out to me that an interview I gave at the 2008 show is now available online at:

http://www.rpgmp3.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=3396

It is quite short, about 15 mins, but I hope is of some interest.

Cheers,

Ralph
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Amsterdam's Rijkmuseum

I have just spent the last couple of days in Amsterdam, helping a friend celebrate his birthday. However I did manage to drag myself away from the festivities for long enough to visit the Rijksmusuem.

They have a splendid web site which gives you plenty of access to the various pieces on display:

http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/

It is always revelatory to see images 'in the flesh' that you are only familiar with via reproduction, and this time was no exception. The ability to absorb the whole, then inspect the tiniest part of the image, and to just be in the same space with these paintings is fabulous.

I got a special kick out of seeing the Frans Hals. I was very excited by his ability to mix loose and tight marks to create focus whilst mantaining lot of energy. Plus they all have a certain playfulness to them.

When I stepped out I really felt fired up to get on with some more painting, and to push myself hard. Inspirational :)

Now I had best get on with packing my artwork in preparation for this weekend's GamesExpo.